Securing device and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A security device for removably securing a portable carrying case or other items such as a wallet, pocketbook, toy, or decorative item to a pocket or item of clothing receptacle and methods of its use are disclosed herein. The security device is composed of a fastener comprising a first component that is reversibly engagable with the second component, wherein the first component is fixed to at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure or simply coupling two components together. The coupling structure is composed of a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion and the second portion are reversibly engagable with one another. The first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure may be configured such that a portion of an individual&#39;s article of clothing such as a pocket lining or pocket wall is reversibly securable between the first portion and second portion of the coupling structure. Accordingly, the security device releasably secures the portable carrying case, toy, or decorative item within the pocket or to any other part of the clothing without violating the integrity or damaging the pocket or clothing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/446,701, filed on Feb. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Valuable articles such as wallets, containing money, credit cards, personal keepsake items, and passports are often placed and carried within an individual's pocket. These articles are generally not secured within the pocket so they may be easily lost or stolen as if they may slip out of an individual's pocket without detection. Accordingly, there is a need for a device for preventing the loss of items placed in a pocket or similar receptacle as well as securing items together and being so held.

SUMMARY

[0003] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fastening devices for releasably securing items such as, but not limited to, a wallet, a passport holder, toy, decorative item to a portion of clothing or within a pocket or other similar receptacle having at least one wall or a thin lining. Other exemplary embodiments may be used to releasably secure various items to blankets, sheets, drapes, or other sheets of material.

[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device may be composed of a fastener and coupling structure. The fastener is composed of a first component that is reversibly engagable with a second component. The first component may be fixed to at least one surface of a portable carrying case and a second component is adapted to couple to a portion of the coupling structure. Either or both components can be secured to moveable or non-moveable components. The coupling structure is composed of a first portion and a second portion, wherein a portion of an individual's article of clothing is reversibly securable between the first portion and second portion of the coupling structure. Accordingly, the wallet may be secured within a pocket and is easily accessed and/or removed from the pocket.

[0005] Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an individualized portable carrying case that is securable within a pocket or other receptacle on an article of clothing. The portable carrying case includes at least one surface defining a body, which is capable of holding one or more items, wherein the body is sized to be held within a portion of an individual's article of clothing. The portable carrying case may also include a means for reversibly coupling the body to the individual's article of clothing.

[0006] In use, an individual may remove the first portion of the coupling from the second portion of the coupling structure. The portable carrying case may then be inserted within a pocket that is located on the article of clothing. A portion of the pocket, such as the pocket lining, may be positioned between the first portion of the coupling structure and the second portion of the coupling structure. The first portion of the coupling structure and the second portion of the coupling structure are then coupled together thereby securing the portable carrying case within the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0008]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 secured to a portion of an article of clothing;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a side view of the portable carrying case detached from the security device, which is secured to a portion of an article of clothing;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment; and

[0012]FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which these embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0014] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a portable carrying case 100 having a security device 101, 102 secured to at least one surface of the case 100. Generally, the security device is composed of a fastener 101 that is reversibly engagable with a coupling structure 102. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the portable carrying case 100 may be sized and configured to store a plurality of items that may be used to secure valuable items within a pocket, or the like. According to various exemplary embodiments, the portable carrying case 100 may be a wallet, a billfold, tri-fold, coin purse, credit card carrier, passport holder, or the like.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the portable carrying case 100 is provided with a fastener 101 that is coupled to at least one surface of the case 100. The fastener 101 may be composed of a first portion 200 and a second portion 201. The first 200 and second 201 portions of the fastener 101 are sized to mate and releasably engage one another. The first component 200 of the fastener the second component 201 of the fastener may be male and female snap buttons, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the fastener 101 may be any two-part coupling structure that can be reversibly attached and detached from one another. For instance, according to another exemplary embodiment, the fastener 101 may be two pieces of Velcro®. As shown in FIG. 2, the second component 201 of the fastener is integral or otherwise permanently fixed to a first portion of the coupling structure 101.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupling structure 101 may have a generally cylindrical body. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the coupling structure 101 may have any shape known or used in the art. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the coupling structure 101 may be provided with threads 203 on the outer circumferential surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the first portion 101 of the coupling structure may be provided with one or more protuberances (not shown) that extend away from the outer circumferential surface. The first portion 101 of the coupling structure may be reversibly engagable with a second portion 102 of a coupling structure as shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] The second portion 102 of the coupling structure may be a generally donut-shaped structure as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternate embodiment, the second portion 102 of the coupling structure may have a plurality of shapes such as, but not limited to, a polygon, a triangle, an octagon, a pentagon, or other fanciful shapes. The second portion 102 of the coupling structure includes a through-bore (not shown) that is capable of engaging the threads 203 on the first portion 101 of the coupling structure 101. That is, the through-bore may include threads (not shown) that correspond to the threads 203 on the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the threads may be constructed from a flexible and partially collapsible material so as to allow for variations in the thickness of the clothing material 300 or substrates secured between the first 101 and second portions 102 of the coupling structure.

[0018] In alternate embodiment, the second portion of the coupling structure 102 may be provided with a groove (not shown) that may engage one or more protuberances (not shown) on the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure may be reversibly coupled together via various reversible locking mechanisms known and developed in the art such as, but not limited to, tongue-and-groove or snap-fit systems.

[0019] According to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 of the coupling structure may be screwed together. When the first 101 and second portions 102 of the coupling structure are coupled together, there may be some clearance (or play) between the two portions. This clearance allows for a portion of an individual's article of clothing 300 to be secured between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure when they are attached to one another.

[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first 101 and the second portion 102 of the coupling structure may be formed from a flexible material. The flexible material allows the coupling structure to compensate for a wider variation of the thickness of the clothing 300 or other substrates that may be secured between the first 101 and second portions 102 of the coupling structure.

[0021]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a security device 500. The security device 500 is similar to the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 with the exception of a plate 501 that may be positioned over the base of the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the plate 501 includes a through hole (not shown) that is adapted to be positioned and slide over the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. In another exemplary embodiment, the plate 501 is integral with the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. In use, the plate 501 can provide a rigid surface against which the second portion 102 of the coupling structure can be secured against when coupling the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 of the coupling structure together.

[0022] In use, the portable carrying case 100 may be secured to or within an article of clothing. For instance, according to one exemplary method, the portable carrying case 100 may be secured within a pocket 300 or other receptacle within an individual's clothing. In order to secure the portable carrying case 100 within a pocket, the second portion 102 or the outer portion of the coupling structure is removed from the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. The portable carrying case 100 may then be inserted within a designated pocket 300 such that the first portion 101 of the coupling structure contacts a wall or lining of the pocket 300. The second portion 102 of the coupling structure is then placed on the opposite side of the pocket wall 300 or pocket lining and is aligned with the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. Next, the second portion 102 of the coupling structure is then secured to the first portion 101 of the coupling structure. As a result, the pocket lining 300 or the wall of the pocket is secured between the first and second portion of the coupling structure as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the portable carrying case 100 is reversibly secured within the pocket.

[0023] When accessing the portable carrying case 100, the case 100 may be detached from the pocket lining 300 pocket wall by detaching the first component 200 of the fastener from the second component 201 of the fastener as shown in FIG. 4. After use, the case 100 may be reattached to the pocket lining 300 or pocket wall by coupling the first component 200 and the second component 201 of the fastener together.

[0024] In an alternate method, both the portable carrying case 100 and the pocket lining 300 may be pulled out from the pocket at the same time so that the contents of the portable carrying case 100 may be accessed. After use, the wallet 100 may then be reinserted into the pocket. Accordingly, the portable carrying case 100 is reversibly secured within a pocket as it is coupled to the pocket lining 300 or a wall of the pocket. The security device 101,102 associated with the portable carrying case 100 allows the case 100 to be secured within the pocket 300 without damaging the pocket or pocket lining and allows the portable carrying case 100 to be readily accessed.

[0025] In another exemplary method of use, the fastening device 100 may be used to secure a decorative item or toy to an item of clothing. According to various exemplary embodiments, the decorative item may be a pin, brooch, or other novelty item. The first portion of the fastener 200 may be coupled to the body of the decorative item or toy. The second portion of the fastener 201 and the coupling structure 101, 102 may be reversibly secured to a portion of a child's or adult's clothing according to the methods described above. Accordingly, an individual may readily add, remove, or change the toy or decorative item that may be secured to the article of clothing without damaging or altering the integrity of the clothing.

[0026] In yet another exemplary method of use, the fastening device 100 may be used to reversibly secure decorative items, or the like, to materials such as, but not limited to, sheets, blankets, drapes, or other pieces of material. In another exemplary method of use, the fastening device 100 may be used to secure various types of bedding materials together (e.g., sheet to blanket). That is, it is contemplated that the fastening device 100 may be used in any application where two items are to be reversibly secured together, wherein one item is a material that is substantially planar that may be secured between the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 of the coupling structure.

[0027] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A security device for a portable carrying case, comprising: a fastener comprising a first component reversibly engagable with a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to the at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure; and the coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein a portion of an individual's article of clothing is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure.
 2. The security device of claim 1 wherein the first component of the fastener is a male snap button.
 3. The security device of claim 2 wherein the second component of the fastener is a female snap button.
 4. The security device of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the coupling structure includes a through-hole having an inner bore.
 5. The security device of claim 4 wherein an outer portion the first portion of the coupling structure and the inner bore of the second portion of the coupling structure include threads.
 6. The security device of claim 5 wherein the threads are flexible.
 7. The security device of claim 4 wherein an outer portion the first portion includes at least one protuberance and an outer portion of the inner bore of the second portion includes a groove.
 8. The security device of claim 1 further comprising a stabilizing plate at a base of the coupling structure.
 9. An individualized portable carry case, comprising: at least one surface defining a body which is capable of holding one or more items, wherein the body is sized to be held within a portion of an individual's article of clothing; and a means for reversibly coupling the body to a portion of the individual's article of clothing.
 10. The security device of claim 9 wherein the means comprises: a fastener comprising a first component reversibly engagable with a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to the at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure; and the coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein the portion of an individual's article of clothing is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure.
 11. The security device of claim 10 wherein the first component is a male snap button.
 12. The security device of claim 10 wherein the second component is a female snap button.
 13. The security device of claim 10 wherein the second portion of the coupling structure includes a through-hole having an inner bore.
 14. The security device of claim 13 wherein an outer portion the first portion of the coupling structure and the inner bore of the second portion of the coupling structure include threads.
 15. The security device of claim 14 wherein the threads are flexible.
 16. The security device of claim 13 wherein an outer portion the first portion includes at least one protuberance and an outer portion of the inner bore of the second portion includes a groove.
 17. The security device of claim 9 further comprising a stabilizing plate at a base of the coupling structure.
 18. A method for securing a portable carrying case to an article of clothing, comprising: providing a portable carrying case having a security device of claim 1; removing the first portion of the coupling structure from the second portion of the coupling structure; inserting the portable carrying case within a pocket located on the article of clothing; placing a portion of the pocket between the first portion of the coupling structure and the second portion of the coupling structure; and securing the first portion of the coupling structure to the second portion of the coupling structure, wherein the portable carrying case is reversibly secured to the second portion of the coupling structure.
 19. A fastening device, comprising: a coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein a portion of material is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure, and wherein the first portion of the coupling structure is attached to a fastener; the fastener comprising a first component reversibly securable to a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to a surface of an item and the second component is attached to the first portion of the coupling structure.
 20. The fastening device of claim 19 wherein the material is a sheet, blanket, drape, article of clothing, or other substantially planar material, and the item is a wallet, a toy, or a decorative item. 